- The United States and European Union has faulted proposed changes to election laws by the ruling Jubilee party
- US Ambassador Robert Godec questioned the timing of the changes saying it would undermine preparations by the electoral body
- IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati had also expressed fears over plans by Jubilee Party to make changes on existing electoral laws
The Jubilee Party has been castigated by the European Union and United States envoy for their push to amend electoral laws regarding the presidential election with just days to the repeat presidential election scheduled for October 26.
Speaking on Monday, October 2, US Ambassador Robert Godec said Jubilee’s move is ill timed and would undermine the preparations of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s preparations.
“Best practice does not allow law review just before polls. Both political sides; Jubilee and the National Super Alliance should engage in genuine talks with the IEBC and stop making unreasonable demands. The IEBC needs to be given space and time and not be paralysed,” said Godec.
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Godec further said that Jubilee’s Election Laws (Amendments) Bill puts at risk the ability to conduct elections within the set timeline and cause unnecessary political tensions.
“The international community is watching Kenya in every step of its electoral process,” added Godec.
On Thursday, September 28, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati also expressed fears about Jubilee’s move.
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“The country does not need to amend laws ahead of the election because it will take the IEBC backwards. If amendments are made, we shall really struggle considering we already prepared our schedule. The country must have an election within 60 days and that is a constitutional requirement,” said Chebukati according to prior TUKO.co.ke.
NASA leaders led demonstrations to oppose the changes Jubilee is pushing for to the electoral law, saying it all works to favour President Uhuru Kenyatta instead of being inclusive.
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Speaking on these demonstrations as well, Godec urged security services to use the utmost restraint in handling demos.
These sentiments come after police brutality was noted in recent demos involving Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and the University of Nairobi students, as well as NASA protesters during a past anti-IEBC demo.
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